Examining an examination : a practical guide to evaluating an examination

Abstract

Firmly rooted in the local scene, the purpose of the book is twofold. It provides an in-depth analysis of a major English language examination to better understand the results achieved by those taking the examination and the claims that are made regarding their proficiency. In contexts where language examinations are norm referenced, built generally on a communicative competence approach and designed from fresh each year, it is important to test the test and make sure that the expert basis it is built on is functioning properly and producing a test that meets most requirements of reliability and validity.

The book also doubles up as a handbook for those wishing to carry out their own analyses of language examinations. Readers can find step-by-step guides for running statistical tests with examples from a real examination for illustrative purposes.

Examining an Examination is intended for those with an interest in the English language abilities of our nation’s youth as they finish over ten years of compulsory education throughout which a major focus is learning English. It is also intended for those with an interest in language examinations and their power to measure properly and influence young people’s life chances.